Day 1: Dublin Tour & The Book of Kells

Tour begins 2:00 PM, Dublin hotel. Set out on an introductory tour of central Dublin. Highlights include 18th century Georgian houses with brightly-painted doors, tranquil parks and the wide O’Connell Street. Take a guided walking tour through the campus of Trinity College to view the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently in one of Dublin’s many restaurants or lively pubs.

Day 2: 6th Century Glendalough & Dunbrody Famine Ship

Enjoy the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most beautiful destinations. Explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Walk through the deep valley to view the picturesque ruins of a round tower, churches and Celtic crosses. Continue to New Ross to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a reconstructed 19th century vessel showing the harsh sailing conditions for emigrants on the way to North America. Relax as you continue to Waterford. After dinner, take a gentle stroll around the narrow streets of the historic city with a local guide.(B, D)

Day 3: Waterford Crystal & Blarney Castle

Witness the creation of crystal masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. Travel via Dungarvan to Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic. A walking tour will reveal many of the places that still remain over a century since travellers embarked on that fateful voyage. Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Treat yourself to quality Irish-made goods at Blarney Woollen Mills. Journey west through rugged countryside and settle in to your
centrally-located hotel in Killarney.(B, D)

Day 4: Ring of Kerry Drive & Skellig Experience

Discover the natural beauty of the Emerald Isle on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, with plenty of photo stops along the way. Cross the bridge to Valentia Island to visit the Skellig Experience, which explains the life of early Christian hermits on Skellig Michael, a rocky offshore island that was featured in the “Star Wars VII” movie. Pause for lunch and a stroll around Sneem, and another stop at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views. Enjoy the evening in Killarney for dinner on your own and perhaps a visit to one of the town’s many lively pubs.(B, L)

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Galway

Embark on a memorable ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Travel along the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet (200m) above the churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O’Brien’s Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Head to Galway to join a local guide for a brief stroll through the twisting streets of the old city before spending some time on your own.(B, D)

Day 6: Sheepdogs & Derry’s Medieval Walls

Immerse yourself in Irish farm life during a visit to an authentic working farm and watch trained sheepdogs round up mountain sheep. Explore the pilgrimage town of Knock, one of the world’s leading shrines. Visit the church where villagers saw a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1879. Head to Donegal town for some free time in this charming town. On arrival in Derry meet a local guide to discover the history of this ancient city which retains its medieval fortification walls dating from 1613.(B, D)

Day 7: Giant’s Causeway & Glyde Inn Dinner/Show

Explore the northern coastline, stopping for photos at the sprawling ruins of Dunluce Castle. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Visit Titanic Belfast and learn about the ill-fated ship through state-of-the-art displays. See the docks where this famous liner was built just over a century ago. Stop at the Glyde Inn for a farewell dinner with Irish specialties and entertaining traditional Irish songs and music.

(B, D)

Day 8: Dublin Sightseeing

Spend an additional day in Dublin with an independent Dublin open-top bus tour (valid for 48 hours), plus a visit to Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC Ireland or the General Post Office Museum.(B)